Samaritans unite to assist Ashley fire victims
The Redpoint Church has stepped in to help the Allison family by facilitating the many offers of help.
A RAGING fire that spread viciously through a Ashley family’s home on Sunday, 16 October, destroyed the home and most of the family’s belongings.
According to owners of the home, Charmaine and Ian Allison, the fire broke out in the main bedroom between 9.30pm and 10pm. Their four children, Nathan (14), Melissa (12), Lillian (10) and Joshua (8) were asleep and the couple were in their bathroom when they smelt something burning. Within minutes, the entire back of the house and roof were engulfed in flames.
“We panicked and rallied the children up quickly to get them out of the house. Our neighbours were the first people to arrive and attempted to put the fire out, emergency services arrived shortly. It took three fire trucks to put the blaze out, but the fire still smouldered the next day,” said Ian.
The local SAPS arrived first, followed by the Ashley Residents’ Neighbourhood Watch and the Fire Department. Ian was later taken to the trauma unit at Life Westville Hospital to be treated for the severe burns to his face and hands.
Charmaine said her children were devastated but they showed more concern for their beloved pets – their five dogs, a cockatiel and a hamster were found and taken to safety during the fire. “My son Nathan was extremely brave, trying to help put the fire out, and my daughter, Melissa, rounded up all of our pets and made sure they were okay,” said Charmaine.
“We just want to thank God first and foremost for saving our family. We also want to thank our neighbours, family, friends, work colleagues, the community, Ashley Residents’ Neighbourhood Watch and the Redpoint Church who have offered amazing support through this ordeal,” said Ian.
The family lost everything they owned. But Ian said, “It’s been such a shattering, humbling experience for us, but we are determined to start afresh.”
The Allisons have been sleeping over with family and friends during the past week. The children returned to school on Thursday, 20 October to help them get back into their routine and prepare them for their final examinations soon.
The Fire Department is still investigating the cause of the fire.
Mike Mills of RedPoint Church has been assisting the Allison family through this difficult time by facilitating the many offers of help. They have put together a list of ways the community can assist the family, either with meals, financially or by donating items for their home.
Visit https://goo.gl/59BH2u to find out how you can help, alternatively you can contact the church office on 031 700 5503 or e-mail mike@redpointchurch.org and give details of what you might be able to donate, and to stay updated with the list of items needed.
